Surviving Intact

We Must Be Brave: A Gitxsan Grandmother’s Reflection

We must be brave. We must hold our ground.

The topic of “elder” came up tonight, and I was asked if I consider myself an elder. Honestly, I’ve never understood why labels are so important. I suspect it has a lot to do with funding and politics, and perhaps some religious beliefs tied to fire and lightning.

There’s so much pressure on Aboriginal people to be inclusive. I often feel anxious about upsetting white people, and in trying to be inclusive, we sometimes unknowingly adopt white political beliefs, which leads organizations to exclude our own Aboriginal laws and traditions entirely.

Over the last 20 years, I’ve noticed more and more labels—elder, matriarch, self-determination, traditional, healer, First Nations. I’ve made mistakes in the past by giving in to the pressures of others' fears, and that’s led to a betrayal of my own Gitxsan teachings and community members. It’s a lifetime regret I carry with me.

Tonight, it was suggested that even a child could be called an elder as long as they are supportive and helpful. I can’t agree with that. I will never call a child an elder. I can’t label someone with little knowledge or life experience as an elder.

For myself, I don’t call myself an elder simply because I’m in a position to advocate for Aboriginal people. Maybe my ancestors will let me know when that day comes.

An elder is someone who has wisdom, who has lived through many tough moments, heartbreaks, and life’s devastating challenges. Many have survived intact, but not without scars.

What I learned from my yea’a, my granny, and my parents is that we must respect our elders for their survival and resilience. We must acknowledge the impacts of Indian Residential Schools and prioritize keeping ourselves and our families safe. Learn what you can from your elders and leave the rest to rest.

Don’t be tricked into following urban myths. There are many who believe their self-righteous way is the only way. Life is full of various paths, and we must respect others' beliefs through acknowledgment.

God is within us and with us. Thank you to my ancestors for always guiding us.

We must be brave. We must stand our ground. Together, we can advocate for our rights and ensure our traditions are respected and preserved. Let’s work towards a future where all Indigenous voices are heard, and our children grow up knowing their heritage and culture.

Popular posts from this blog

Bear with hanging tongue

Image
The bear with the tongue hanging out of its mouth is not what you think.  Gather around, and let me share a story that carries the weight of our history, a tale that speaks of resilience and survival. Many people do not understand the significance of the tongue, often mistaking it as merely a feature of the bear. But there is much more to this story, one that we must keep alive as our Aboriginal stories, culture, and beliefs are too often appropriated for the profit of others. In our tradition, totem poles are read from the bottom up, with the tribe usually depicted at the base. It is important to note that the Gitxsan do not have a bear tribe. Instead, the bear symbolizes Russia, a powerful force that once threatened our lands. Long ago, the West Coast nations—including the Gitxsan, Nisga'a, Haida, and others—joined together to stand against Russia when they began to claim our traditional territories and take our people as slaves. Among those who suffered was a woman from th...
Read more

When the food drops

Image
I learned a lot from my grandfather and my parents just by watching them every day. We didn’t talk much about spirituality; we just lived it. Spirituality runs deep in our upbringing; it’s something that flows through our blood and is passed down by our ancestors who have gone before us. Our beliefs aren’t fancy or dramatic—there's no fire and lightning, just the spirit. We used to respect all of life, knowing that spirits are present in everything, including ourselves. God is within us and beside us; every thought we have is a prayer. I should mention that medicine can be used for harm too. Thoughts filled with hatred can be prayers as well. Some people who mix their medicine with bad intentions are called Hel'dow'gwit, or witchcraft. Over the past 50 years, many Gitxsan have changed and evolved. Sweat lodges, which were once only for hunting preparation, are now spaces for prayers and healing. Traditional gatherings have transformed into Healing Circles where we talk abou...
Read more

Burning

Image
Too often, our Gitxsan culture is romanticized, which can create an illusion that it is unattainable or far removed from the realities of our daily lives. This perception can make it seem uninviting to our young people, who may feel disconnected from the traditions and values that define us. We must remember to light the fire, to gather together, and to prepare meals with love for our family and friends. The act of burning food is not a failure but a reminder of our humanity and the lessons we learn along the way. Each meal shared is an opportunity to connect, to nurture, and to honor those we cherish. Every thought is a prayer. When we think of our loved ones who have journeyed on, they are with us in spirit, surrounding us with their love and gratitude for the respect and intention we hold in our hearts. It is in these moments that we can feel their presence, reminding us of the strength of our connections and the importance of our cultural practices. Let us not shy away from the imp...
Read more